Displaying posts labeled "Stone"

In the depths of winter here in Australia I’m dreaming of warm, sunny days spent by the pool, sharing meals with friends as the evening lingers, seamless living inside and out. I’m dreaming of this backyard. Windward Lane by Southern California based  Garden Studio Landscape Design.

It’s like I say week in week out. If you have to drag yourself into work on a weekend it helps if it’s somewhere super stylish … like the theatrical showroom of Brisbane jewellery designer Christie Nicolaides by architectural studio Richards & Spence.

“Located along the coastline of Port Phillip Bay and within arm’s reach of the Portsea Pier, Portsea Beach House is the refurbishment of an existing cliff top residence. The proposed scheme pays homage to the understated character of the house which is reminiscent of the modernist era and adopts a sympathetic palette that draws inspiration from the surrounding coastal context.”

Simple, stylish, so satisfying. Respect for the past informs new design decisions. Finishes are luxe but restrained except those crazy paved floors. They’re just outrageously good. Portsea Beach House by Melbourne-based Studio Esteta.

My house is in uproar. Dust and paint drips, kitchen contents in the dining room, clothes racks in the living room. I’m in the throes of a major renovation and all I want to do is escape. Alas I can only take a virtual getaway but what a destination! The stunning stone masseria in Sicily called Dimora delle Balze has eleven hotel rooms in total. I can’t make up my mind which one I like the most but seeing this is a daydream I can linger long enough to try them all. Meet you in the gardens for a long lunch extending into the warm evening.

The real estate agent calls it “understated opulence” and “unparalleled sophistication and luxury”, I call it a trophy home …. but sometimes we want it big and bold and worth a squillion. I strolling scrolling in Melbourne’s prestigious suburb of Toorak. Expansive city views and expansive floors and walls of marble. Add the obligatory movie theatre, gym, wine cellar, roof top entertainment area along withan underground carpark as big as many people’s homes and it’s contemporary, clean lined luxury all the way. Link here while it lasts.